Albuquerque Hosts an Annual Pickleball Tournament: In Albuquerque, the city is using the surrounding pickleball to build the active lifestyles of individuals aged 50 and above. The annual tournament, hosted by the Department of Senior Affairs Sports and Fitness Program, unfolded amidst the picturesque setting of the Manzano Mesa Pickleball Complex, drawing a throng of more than 100 spirited athletes eager to partake in the exhilarating competition.
Reflecting on the rise of pickleball within Duke City, Gary Rutherford, President of the Albuquerque Pickleball Club, reminisces, “I’ve been playing for about 12 years, and when we started, there were probably about 40 of us in town, but now the pickleball club has over 2,000.” This exponential growth serves as a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and its ability to forge vibrant communities bound by a shared passion for competition and camaraderie.
Amidst the buzz of anticipation, organizers created the men’s and women’s tournaments on Friday, setting the stage for a weekend brimming with doubles and mixed doubles showdowns. With the dawn of Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. starts of the doubles and mixed doubles tournaments, respectively, participants and spectators alike are set to witness the culmination of months of preparation and dedication.
As the sun ascends on the horizon, illuminating the courts with an ethereal glow, the echoes of volleys and cheers reverberate through the air, imbuing the tournament with an electric atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie. With each serve and smash, participants embody the spirit of perseverance and sportsmanship, transcending mere competition to forge enduring bonds and cherished memories amidst the backdrop of the thriving pickleball community in Albuquerque.
News in Brief : Albuquerque Hosts an Annual Pickleball Tournament
Albuquerque harnesses pickleball’s popularity to promote active lifestyles for individuals aged 50 and above. The annual tournament, hosted by the Department of Senior Affairs, attracted over 100 enthusiastic athletes at the Manzano Mesa Pickleball Complex. Reflecting on the sport’s growth, Albuquerque Pickleball Club’s President, Gary Rutherford, notes a remarkable rise from 40 to over 2,000 members. The event features men’s and women’s tournaments, followed by doubles and mixed doubles competitions, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of competition and camaraderie within the thriving pickleball community.
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